While other people are out fighting over the last Little Susie Wet Wet doll during the busiest shopping day of the year, us Randoms are talking to Susan Vaught, author of Big Fat Manifesto and her most recent, Exposed (Bloomsbury, 11/08).

1) What is your typical writing day like?

I work during the day, so usually, I get off work, try to exercise most days, then try to come home and get 3-4 hours in. Longer on the weekends!
2) Why did you decide to write YA?

YA captures my natural writing “voice.” I tend toward teen characters and situations when stories come to me.
3) What is the biggest surprise you’ve experienced when it comes to book publishing?

How looooong it takes to know how a book is really, really doing. I thought it would be faster!
4) Do you ever have any “dark days,” when you wonder why you’re a writer? What are those like, and how to you get through them?

I get very stressed by deadlines at times, but I never wonder why I’m writing. I do, however, wonder if I’ll get something written on time!

5) Authors talk about “the call.” Usually, it has to deal with getting an agent or getting published or getting an accolade. What was the best “call” you ever received in terms of your writing, and how did it go down?

Hmmmm. The best “call” I ever got was from my agent, who told me my editor wanted to buy a high fantasy I was co-writing with my son. I’m still thrilled about the book, Oathbreaker, which will be released in two parts next year. That was just the best feeling.

Back Issues

Because of the better community-building tools over at LiveJournal (read: We want more commenters people!), we’ve moved our address. We’re now at: http://thefiverandoms.livejournal.com We officially launch May 1 with an agent interview and hook contest; over the next week, we’ll … Continue reading →

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